Greek Traditions Community

Cultural differences to be aware of while traveling to Greece

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redsoxdw_

redsoxdw_

Active member
Travelling is always tricky when you're unaware of the small cultural differences of each new place that you're visiting. I think it's pretty important to take note so that you don't offend others and get yourself in a sticky situations. Here is my advice

1. Definitely don't open your hand and show your palm. Be extra careful when you're giving high-fives or trying to show "stop" with your hand. This is considered very disrespectful in Greece.
2. Be extremely polite and always greet others when you enter or exit a place, including stores and restaurants. Greeks think it's very rude when you don't say hello.
3. Always offer to pay for others when you are sharing a meal or a coffee. This is common courtesy in Greece.

If you can think of any more, please leave them in the thread!
 
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Tipping is usually around 5%.
 
When tipping I usually use cash, and I handle tips by rounding up. So if my bill was 47 Euro, I would give 50 and tell them to keep the change.

I never knew about showing your palm! Thanks for sharing that one, I'll be careful.
 
The most important meal of the day is lunch (eaten around 2), following that from 2:00-3:00 you need to be quiet. People take this period seriously and will not be happy if you're too noisy. I have heard stories of people having the cops called on them for not being quiet.
 
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ellinasgolfer0320 said:
The most important meal of the day is lunch (eaten around 2), following that from 2:00-3:00 you need to be quiet. People take this period seriously and will not be happy if you're too noisy. I have heard stories of people having the cops called on them for not being quiet.
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This is an excellent point! And very important for people to remind their children about. Thank you for sharing, most people tend to forget.
 
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